Images Depict Mature Plants
Sky Pencil Holly
Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'
Sky Pencil Holly offers a unique, slender columnar shape perfect for adding vertical interest and height to tight spaces, patios, or formal garden designs. Its low-maintenance care, glossy evergreen foliage, and deer resistance make it an ideal choice for year-round elegance in the landscape.
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Sky Pencil Holly Shrubs for Sale Online
Sky Pencil Holly (Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil') is an elegant, narrow, columnar evergreen shrub that adds unique vertical interest to any garden. With its slim, upright growth habit and glossy, deep green leaves, Sky Pencil Holly is perfect for creating a formal look, defining pathways, or adding height to foundation plantings. Growing to a mature height of 6 to 10 feet with a spread of just 1 to 3 feet, it is ideal for tight spaces where height is needed without the bulk of wider shrubs. Its striking appearance makes it an excellent choice for framing doorways and entryways or creating a living privacy screen.
Thriving in USDA zones 5-9, Sky Pencil Holly is highly adaptable and can grow in full sun to partial shade, making it versatile for various landscape settings. It prefers moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate a variety of soil types, including slightly acidic conditions. Sky Pencil Holly requires minimal pruning to maintain its distinctive upright form, making it a low-maintenance addition to both formal and informal gardens. This shrub's ability to maintain its structure and color throughout the year provides year-round interest and enhances any landscape design.
Sky Pencil Holly is also deer-resistant, making it a reliable choice for gardens in areas with high deer activity. Whether planted in a row for a dramatic effect or used as a standalone focal point, its slender, columnar shape brings architectural elegance to outdoor spaces. Sky Pencil Holly is well-suited for container gardening, adding height and structure to patios or entryways. With its low-maintenance needs and unique vertical form, Sky Pencil Holly is an excellent choice for creating a beautiful and sophisticated landscape.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 6 to 10 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 2 to 3 Feet |
| Classification: | Broad leaved evergreen shrub |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to part sun |
| Habit: | Upright, columnar |
| Flower Color: | Inconspicuous |
| Foliage: | Dark green |
| Pruning Season: | Prune anytime |
| Soil Condition: ` | Any well drained slightly acidic soil |
| Water Requirement: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as a focal point in the mixed border, foundation planting, or a specimen planting |
How to Care for Sky Pencil Holly
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Sky Pencil Holly for years to come!
How do I Plant A Sky Pencil Holly?
To plant a Sky Pencil Holly, start by selecting a location with well-drained soil and exposure to full sun or partial shade, as these conditions will allow the shrub to thrive. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the root ball to give the roots ample space to spread. Place the shrub in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil to promote proper drainage. Backfill with a mixture of native soil and compost to improve soil quality and drainage, and water thoroughly after planting to help the soil settle and to establish strong root development. When planting multiple Sky Pencil Hollies for a hedge or privacy screen, space them about 2 to 3 feet apart, measuring from the center of each plant. This spacing allows the hollies to grow together, forming a dense and attractive vertical screen over time. Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of each plant to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. During the first growing season, water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. With the right care, your Sky Pencil Holly will establish quickly and provide elegant vertical interest in your garden.
How do I Water A Sky Pencil Holly?
To properly water a Sky Pencil Holly, focus on deep and consistent watering, especially during the first year after planting to help establish a strong root system. Water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil is moist down to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, which encourages the roots to grow deeply and become more drought-tolerant. During hot or dry periods, you may need to increase the frequency of watering to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Be sure to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, as excess moisture on the leaves can lead to fungal issues. Mulching around the base of the shrub helps to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, reducing the need for frequent watering. Once established, Sky Pencil Holly becomes moderately drought-tolerant and will require less frequent watering. However, during prolonged dry spells or high heat, supplemental watering is still necessary to maintain the shrub's vibrant green foliage and overall health. Regularly check the soil by digging a few inches down; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Avoid overwatering, as Sky Pencil Holly prefers well-drained soil and can suffer from root rot if left in soggy conditions. Proper watering practices will ensure that your Sky Pencil Holly stays healthy, with its signature upright form providing year-round beauty to your landscape.
How do I Fertilize A Sky Pencil Holly?
To fertilize a Sky Pencil Holly, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just before the new growing season begins. A fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 works well to provide the nutrients needed for healthy root development and lush, green foliage. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the shrub, being careful not to apply it too close to the trunk to avoid root burn. After applying the fertilizer, water the area thoroughly to help the nutrients absorb into the soil and reach the root system. This spring feeding will ensure that your Sky Pencil Holly has the essential nutrients to support strong, upright growth throughout the season. For ongoing health and growth, Sky Pencil Holly can also benefit from a second light feeding in mid-summer, particularly if planted in poor or depleted soil. Adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, around the base can further enrich the soil and improve nutrient content. Regular fertilization not only promotes vibrant, dense foliage but also improves the shrub's resistance to pests and diseases. With proper feeding, your Sky Pencil Holly will thrive, maintaining its elegant, columnar shape and providing year-round structure and interest in your garden.
How do I Prune A Sky Pencil Holly?
To prune a Sky Pencil Holly, perform light pruning in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. This timing allows the shrub to recover quickly and ensures healthy growth throughout the growing season. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to improve airflow and promote overall plant health. While Sky Pencil Holly has a naturally upright, narrow shape, you can lightly trim the sides to maintain its columnar form, but avoid cutting back more than one-third of the plant at a time to prevent stress. This type of pruning encourages dense foliage, helping the shrub retain its characteristic slim and elegant appearance. For ongoing maintenance, Sky Pencil Holly may require additional light trimming during the growing season to maintain its shape, especially if you are using it as part of a formal landscape or privacy screen. If the plant grows taller than desired, you can carefully trim the top to control its height. Always use clean tools to avoid introducing diseases, and be mindful not to over-prune, as this can disrupt the plant's natural form. With regular, careful pruning, your Sky Pencil Holly will maintain its sleek, columnar silhouette and continue providing year-round beauty and vertical interest in your garden.
